Vase and Verse

Our dear friends, Alison and Bo Jia, from Middle Kingdom, sent us this lovely poem that we had to share with our readers. This creative couple has introduced a new series of vases and bowls inspired by the reclusive Tang Dynasty poet Han Shan (“Cold Mountain”), who was know for his eccentric simplicity and love of nature.

Middle Kingdom - Cold Mountain Vases

sitting on top of a boulder
the gorge stream icy cold
quiet fun holds a special charm
fogged-in on deserted cliffs
a fine place to rest
the sun leans and tree shadows sprawl
while I view the ground of my mind
a lotus comes out of the mud
– Han Shan, 8th or 9th century AD, translated by Red Pine
(Copper Canyon Press, 1983)

Wishing you a week filled with quiet fun!

For more information on Middle Kingdom, please visit their website and see our May 2009 post on their beautiful Georgetown home.

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2 Comments

Quiet fun is lately my favorite kind of fun. Hoping the next time I view the ground of my mind, a lotus will bloom as well. Perfect poem for this icy gray day. Spruce up those vases with your lovely wares, and shed a little spring time on us all.